Science

Science at Castle Court is included in the curriculum all the way from Badgers up to Year 8. From Badgers to Year 2, science is taught in form groups and from Year 3 upwards, it is taught as a separately timetabled subject in our two purpose-built science laboratories. It is taught mostly by two specialist science teachers, who are supported by a science technician with a dedicated prep room.

Following on from Key Stage 2, where a very high percentage of pupils reach Level 5, the curriculum follows the ISEB Science Syllabus which tracks, to a fair degree, the National Curriculum, up to the end of Year 9 KS3 work. Pupils are thoroughly prepared for entrance to senior independent schools via the Common Entrance or Scholarship routes, as well as entrance to grammar schools. Regular assessment is the norm and science results have made a strong contribution to Castle Court pupils’ examination successes over the years.

Science is taught through engaging lessons, so that pupils are given the very best opportunities to discover how the world around them works. The emphasis is on practical work, learning and fun (within the limits of safety). In addition, much use is made of the latest PC-based visual teaching material, software simulators, and document reader camera images, as well as the more traditional science experiment materials and equipment.

We take advantage of our beautiful woodland setting and gardens at different stages so that the children can explore natural habitats close at hand. In addition, we organise trips out to the Dorset Wildlife Trust Centre at Kingcombe, to a local farm-based natural habitat, as well as the INTECH hands-on science exploration museum at Winchester, and several other Dorset and Hampshire scientific attractions.

Pupils leave Castle Court thoroughly well prepared for science at their next school.

The school calendar is full and varied, as we aim to ensure that the children have as broad a range of experiences as possible. "We have one childhood. It has to be the best." Please click here to find out more, or look in the news section to read about events that our children have already attended and enjoyed.